Intrust Super Cup

FOGS Colts Challenge

FOGS Under 20s Cup

Young Lions go so close

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Fundamental errors in crucial areas of the field cost the BARLA Great Britain Young Lions in this exciting encounter. The Young Lions were desperate to finish the Damart tour on a positive note, whilst the Central United players were well motivated for the game as many of them were hoping to gain selection for the Junior Kiwis squad.

The tourists? preparation for the game was severely hampered as their flight from Auckland had only landed at lunchtime, giving the players little time to prepare for the 6pm kick off.

However, the Young Lions were first on the scoreboard as winger Rob Worrincy crossed after great work from Stanley Rangers pair Jacky Hogan and Kevin King created the opportunity. Loz Wildbore of West Hull added the extras and BARLA were up and running after just five minutes.

From the start both sides looked to be very evenly matched and the game flowed from end to end. It was no surprise when the hosts hit back to square the score with a converted try after hooker John Te Reo scrambled over from close range near the posts. Just moments later Central United were again back on the attack and took the lead after powerful prop Jim Taikato crashed over, with stand off John Monu adding the extras for the second time.

The remainder of the half continued with both sides striving to create further points, however the defences held firm and the hosts held on to a slim 12-6 advantage at the break.

BARLA kicked off the second period but within the first set of six Central United further increased their lead with skilful stand off John Monu side stepping his way under the posts, leaving his conversion a formality.

The Young Lions were determined not to be outdone and 10 minutes later they pulled a try back after centre Kevin King was first to react to a clever grubber kick from Wigan St Patricks John Thornhill. Wildbore made no mistake with the conversion and tourists were back in the game.

A dropped ball from the re-start gave the home side a great opportunity to capitalise and they made no mistake as substitute Ryan Chapman crossed with the deadly Monu again converting.

Despite the deficit the Young Lions battled back and began to take control of the game and were rewarded for their efforts when London Bronco Rob Worrincy intercepted a stray pass and raced almost the full length of the field to touch down for the second time. Wildbore added the extras and the game was again back in the balance.

However, only five minutes later all the good work was undone as Central United loose forward Joseph Clarke pounced on a loose pass 10 yards from the BARLA line and once again restore the hosts 12 point cushion.

With time running out the tourists kept going to the final whistle and were rewarded with a consolation try to stand off Jacky Hogan. Wildbore again made no mistake with the conversion but it all proved in vain as the full time whistle brought the curtain down on the Damart tour of New Zealand.

Coach Ian Rudd was disappointed with the result.

He said, ?Unforced errors in crucial areas of the field have cost us dear. The Central United team did contain some excellent players and they were a very well drilled outfit.

He added, ?However, we feel that the BARLA players were up to the task and the lack of proper preparation due to the travelling may well of hampered our overall performance.?

Young Lions Manager Joe Elliott was also unhappy with the result, however he was delighted with the way the tour had gone.

He said, ?Although we have just lost a great game of rugby league, I am pleased with the way the tour has gone. The lads have been superb ambassadors for BARLA and although we would have obviously preferred to have won more games, we have learnt a lot from this tour.?